General News
8 November, 2025
Striking poppy tribute
IN the lead-up to Remembrance Day, poppies will be laid at the war memorial at the entrance to Tobruk Pool on Monday.
Each year since 2018, local volunteer Iulia Wishart has handcrafted and laid thousands of bright red poppies at the Tobruk Memorial Pool at 7.45am to honour the fallen.
What began as a small community idea has evolved into a striking annual tribute, featuring more than 5000 handmade poppies.
The pool itself was initially built as a memorial to servicemen and women.
For Ms Wishart, the display is intensely personal – she has 27 relatives who served in the armed forces.
“It’s about respect and remembrance,” she said.
“We do it so people stop, reflect and remember the sacrifice that was made.”
The Cairns RSL Sub Branch will hold its 107th anniversary service on Tuesday 11 November at 10.45am.
The service will commence at 10.40 am at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade. Residents are encouraged to attend and observe the minute’s silence at 11am,
“On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those men and women who died fighting to protect our nation,” said Nathan Shingles, president of the Cairns RSL Sub Branch.
Originally called Armistice Day, the occasion became known as Remembrance Day following the Second World War. It commemorates more than 102,000 Australian men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The sub branch also runs initiatives to engage younger generations, including school visits and the RSL Queensland program Draw to Remember.
Mr Shingles said students were encouraged to speak with veterans and draw what Remembrance Day means to them.
“It’s a way of teaching young people about the sacrifice of veterans and we always wear our medals when we talk to them,” he said.
The RSL will also host a gala dinner, ‘Thank You for Your Service’, on Saturday 8 November at the Cairns Convention Centre Trinity Room.
Central services
CAIRNS Cenotaph, The Esplanade, 10.40am-11.40am. The Cairns Remembrance Day ceremony will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.
GORDONVALE Cenotaph, 94 Gordon St, 10.30am-noon. The Gordonvale ceremony will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.
BABINDA Anzac Park Cenotaph, Munro St, 10.40am-11.05am. The Babinda service starts at 10.40 am.
KURANDA Cenotaph, Centenary Park, 10.45am-11.30am. The Kuranda Remembrance Day ceremony will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.
INNISFAIL Cenotaph, Fitzgerald Esplanade, 10.30am-11.30am. The Innisfail Remembrance Day ceremony will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.
